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Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' That's one really smart kid.

Live simply -- Love generously -- Care deeply!

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

* Take naps.

* Stretch before rising.

* Run, romp, and play daily.

* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

* When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

* Be loyal.

* Never pretend to be something you're not.

* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Dear friends, just thought I would give you a heads up and let you know that we will be leaving the end of this week and heading down to the outer banks of NC. As of last week, my dear sweet husband is now somewhat retired and we decided to celebrate by getting away.

Not sure if we will have any internet access so if you do not hear from me, please feel free to post any uplifting encouraging messages.

Here is the lift for the day.
Lord... It's Me Again
Lord, I come into Your presence,
Knowing I have stumbled again today;
Thank You for Your patience each moment,
It's those pebbles that get in my way.

Please forgive me again today Lord,
It is so easy to drift into sin;
Troubles come and I am burdened,
I try to obey and then I stumble again.

Someday all these trials and heartaches will end,
Until then, Lord, please stay at my side;
Walk with me on my journey of life,
If in the lonely desert or on oceans high tide.

I hear Your voice in a gentle breeze,
You are there in the midst of each storm;
I see You in the happy face of a child,
When friends are few..Your love is warm.

Was it me who brought tears to Your eyes today?
The rain poured down from clouds above;
Wind in the trees whispered Your name,
In the rainbow, I saw Your promise and felt your Love.

I see You in a mighty rushing river,
You are there in a quiet mirrored stream;
Out on the hillsides and mountains height,
I felt Your presence there in the pastures green.

Thank You for watching over me again today,
I praise You for all You have brought me through;
Sometimes I am careless but still You love me,
In all things, Lord...I praise You.

Very meaningful prayer as we all fall short of God's wishes for us, but He is a forgiving and loving Father. He gives us the chance to try again and start over, unless our time on earth is through. Monday night proved to be the end of life on earth for an area teen who with other teens was going for a bite to eat after attending a Christian Youth group. On a winding road the driver lost control, hit a tree and the car burst into flames. Of the 5 teens, this boy was ejected from the car and died at the scene, one girl was air lifted to MD. Shock Trauma and 3 were taken to area hospitals. The Youth Leader was following the car and came upon the accident in time to pull the kids from the burning car. We never know when this might happen to us or a loved one. Say 'I love you' often and mean it, give hugs, show kindness, don't hold grudges, forgive so that you can be forgiven, most of all lead others to Christ. We never know when God will call us home!

The father of the boy is a Montgomery County Police Captain and usually they are not listed in the phone book. My suggestion would be to send sympathy cards to the high school. The Family of Ryan Didone (in care of)Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Rd., Damascus, MD , 20872. I read about this accident in the newspaper and don't know any of the people involved, only that it is a terrible for all of them.

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.

As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.

I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.'

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly 'These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.'

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. 'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.'
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar.

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me. 'When you finish college, Son,' he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.'

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed.

A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.

She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.

This truly touched my heart. I know it has yours as well. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for Good in others.

The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller

Thinking today about Caterina and hoping she is having a relaxing time even though it is most likely raining in Kitty Hawk. Wishing all of you a pleasant Saturday evening and a wonderful Sunday! Hugs to all!

I have in my hands two boxes
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your troubles in the black box,
And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
Both my joys and sorrows I stored,
But though the gold became heavier each day
The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black,
I wanted to find out why,
And I saw, in the base of the box,
A hole which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused,
"I wonder where my sorrows could be."
He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child,
they’re all here with Me."

I asked God why He gave me the boxes,
Why the gold, and the black with the hole.
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,
The black is for you to let go."

Author Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blessings to all of you ....

Rita
......................

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

Thank you so much for the poem, Rita. It's been a while since you posted in Caterina's absence so glad to hear from you.

Hi Barb!

I check this thread each day and am always blessed by the devotionals and the comments. Maybe we can keep the thread going in her absence.

Rita
..........

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he’s born.
— William R. Inge, American playwright (1913-1973)

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
— Helen Keller, American social activist, public speaker and author (1880-196

In Deuteronomy 11:19, God warned His people to love Him, to walk in all His ways, to hold fast to Him, and to teach His commands to their children, ".... talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

----------
Rita

...............................

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

hi there. I'm glad I found this today. I'm not doing so well today. It all started Saturday night when I got home from work and someone I don't know was in my house. I just feel like an emotional wreck the past few days. It was rather difficult to get through the day at work yesterday. Thank goodness I had today and tomorrow off as well. I'm just thankful it wasn't my kids that it happened to.
Anyways, sorry this isn't encouraging. Just please pray for me if you happen to think of me.
Thanks,
Lavonne

Lavonne ... I'm so glad that you stopped by, but I'm so sorry that you've had to go through this frightening experience.

It will be a privilege to pray for you ~ ~ ~

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have promised to always walk with us through every circumstance in our lives. I ask that You would surround Lavonne with Your shield of protection and that You would strengthen her and fill her with Your peace and comfort. Amen"

Here is a Bible verse that means a lot to me:

Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

I'll keep you in my prayers. Please let us know how you're doing.

Rita
..........

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

So glad you found us Lavonne. What an awful experience for you to have to go through, I can surely see how you would feel unnerved by this. You can count on our wonderful Lord to keep you in His care and protect you and your family. He will never leave you nor forsake you. May you feel His comforting arms around you and give you peace.
Hugs....

Master photographer Edward Steichen once remarked that the mission of photography is to explain man to man and each to himself--a mission he found at once both complicated and naïve, but worth fumbling toward. “Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper," notes Steichen. "The photographer begins with the finished product." It is a thought befitting of a scene from 2001, when the who's who of the country's finest photographers volunteered their time for such a mission. What they discovered is that when the “finished products” are the faces of children in foster care systems across the country, photography offers the chance of new life.

Diane Granito is the founder of the Heart Gallery, a unique program that uses photography to help find homes for older foster children, sibling groups, and other children who are traditionally difficult to place with families.(1) The program started in New Mexico in 2001 at the suggestion of a local photographer. Space was then donated by a prominent gallery in the city, where more than 1,000 people came opening night. The photos on exhibit were the end result of the photographers' attempts to coax out the unique personalities in hundreds of children--a great contrast to the typical photos attached to a child's file. "They look like mug shots," said one of the photographers. "This is an opportunity to just portray them as kids in their environments," said another involved. "We're treating this as a living, breathing project."

Since its inception, the Santa Fe project has inspired 60 more Heart Galleries in 45 states. In some places, the adoption rate after an exhibit is more than double the nationwide rate of adoption from foster care. Such photography earns a description worthy of its roots: the word in Greek means "to write in light."

Those who work to find foster children adoptive families are used to rubbing up against the public perception that most foster children have serious emotional and behavioral problems. Sometimes, though not always, it is an accurate perception. And a picture offered in a different light does not change the child it portrays. But an image of a troubled child at play offers the accurate light of hope.

We all have many faces that could be portrayed to the world. If the pictures that represented us to the world were pictures that showed our worst sides, I wonder how different the circles of people around us would be. There are definitely certain faces I would prefer not to have captured in a photograph and placed in my file. While those close to me have by now seen me in many kinds of light, it is frightening to imagine my adoption being contingent on any one of them. Yet, our adoption as God's own was completed as we stood in the worst of all possible lights. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:. As Christ died for the sins of the world, he held dear even the pictures of us at our worst.

While in prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer struggled with the many reflections of his life. As a seminary instructor he was considered a saint and a giant. In America they made him feel like an escapist. In prison they made him feel like a criminal. There were days when he saw himself as all three and all the stages in between. It was in such a convolution of images that he asked:

"Who am I?
This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me,
these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine."(2)

Our adoption by God is our identity, the picture we hold as children until the day when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, and God will wipe every tear from our eyes. Neither death nor life, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from this love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

------------------------

Rita
..........

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

Good morning all and thank you, Rita, for the inspirational message. Here are a few thoughts of my own to add to the messages.
It is another wet dreary day here in Maryland. If you happen to be like me, your energy level is determined by the weather and dreary days affect my mood! Today, I will try to smile more, not be grumpy or lazy, to make a positive difference in someone's life and spread sunshine where there is darkness. Show kindness and smile, someone WILL smile back.

Good morning, Barb! You are so right ... when we smile and show kindness to all we meet (whether we feel like it or not), it is a gift that brightens the corner where we are.

I hope that your day will be filled with some very bright sunbeams!

Rita
...........

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

hi Rita and Barb,
thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement. I know things will get better but it's still a ways off. This is my first day alone at home since the break-in. Have to say it's a bit unsettling. I know God is bigger than anything that comes my way.
Thanks again,
Lavonne

Hello Lavonne .... It's good to hear from you again today. Have you thought of writing some comforting Bible verses on 3 x 5 cards and keeping them nearby whenever you feel fearful? Here are two verses that might help.

Psalm 56:3 ....... When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Isaiah 41:10 ......... So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

---------

Rita

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

-Colossians 3:15
When we examine the problems that confront us in our world today, we find that every one of them resolves into a problem of “inner space,” a problem of the dark side of the human spirit. From thousands of letters we receive, it is evident that a large proportion of the population is facing deep personal problems. They vary from person to person, but they do exist, and they are all problems of “inner space.”

Yes, we are the people who have been conquering outer space, but are in danger of losing the battle of the spirit. But there is a solution—for millions it has already been reached—and that solution is in Jesus Christ. He said, “My peace”—my liberty, my freedom—“I give unto you” (John 14:27).

Today if we will turn the searchlight of truth on the dark side of our human spirits and let Jesus Christ become the Master Control of our lives, a new day will dawn for us. Submit the “inner space” of your life to Him. Prayer for the day How often I hurt deep down inside me, Lord, but the knowledge of Your love and compassion brings me hope and peace.

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

I am not sure if I should be writing in here or not what I am going through is a normal part of life. I sure don't like this part of life, I am 49 and my husband Sam passed away on September 29, 2008 so it hasn't been very long. I am lonely, sad, mad, we never had a social life Sam was a over the road truck driver. When he would come home the last thing he wanted to do was go out anywhere and meet people. I am sorry for being such a pity pot. I needed too vent thanks for being here for people like me.
Sincerely.
Kathy

Kathy, you are going through a rough time and we are here to be your friends. Losing your husband is so sad and I send my sympathy to you. You are still a young woman and have so many years ahead of you. Venting is a good release and so is social activity for which it is never too late to begin. Join a class to learn something new, a church group, choir, Sunday School. Find a group on line here at SCS to chat with. From what I read on your Public Profile, you sound like a friendly outgoing woman. Start living life again and you will find contentment. Lots of hugs from all of us on this thread!

I am not sure if I should be writing in here or not what I am going through is a normal part of life. I sure don't like this part of life, I am 49 and my husband Sam passed away on September 29, 2008 so it hasn't been very long. I am lonely, sad, mad, we never had a social life Sam was a over the road truck driver. When he would come home the last thing he wanted to do was go out anywhere and meet people. I am sorry for being such a pity pot. I needed too vent thanks for being here for people like me.
Sincerely.
Kathy

Hi Kathy ... It's so good to have you join us! I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope the ladies on this friendly and supportive thread will help you through this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.

Rita
...........

__________________
"But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8 & 9
_____________________________
I'm A Card Angel with Chemo Angels

thanks ladies again for the encouragement! I had to work today and just got home. Today has been slightly better. The hard part is I don't want to come home to an empty house. I also don't want to go out in the evening by myself. Which is something I do quite often, until last week.
My husband and kids have been very supportive which is also great. My boss at work knows what's going on also. And, he's a Christian which helps.
Songs and Bible verses have been running through my head almost constantly. So thanks for that suggestion too.
It sure helps knowing so many people are praying for me to get through this.